| In today’s ageing process,the number of elderly people is growing rapidly.At the same time,the number of older people who are widowed is also increasing.Not only do widowed older people face the emotional impact of losing their spouse,but they also lack a partner to look after and support each other in life.In this situation,it is particularly important to pay attention to the health of this particular group of elderly widows.Based on previous studies,this paper uses data from the six waves of Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey(CLHLS)from 2002 to 2018 to explore in depth the factors influencing the health status of widowed older adults,and using self-rated health,the ability of daily life and cognitive function representing general health,physical health and mental health respectively.In addition,demographic characteristics,economic factors,lifestyle factors,social security factors and intergenerational support factors are used as independent variables.Firstly,from multiple perspectives of comprehensive health,physical health,and mental health,analyzing the changing trend of widowed aging population health in China during the period 2002-2018 and the differences between gender,age,and urbanrural areas.Secondly,based on the 2018 CLHLS data,the factors influencing the health status of widowed elderly people in China were analysed using binary logistic regression models,using self-rated health status,self-care ability in daily life and cognitive function as dependent variables,respectively.Finally,a structural equation model was constructed based on the statistically significant variables selected from the binary logistic regression model analysis to explore the influencing mechanisms of the health status of the widowed elderly in China.The main findings of this study are as follows:(1)During the period 2002-2018,the physical and mental health status of widowed older people fluctuated upwards,and the selfrated health status fluctuated more steadily,and the physical health and mental health status of widowed older people in China are worse than those of the general elderly population.(2)There are significant gender,age and urban-rural differences in the health status of widowed elderly people in China.(3)The better the economic conditions are,the better the health status of the widowed elderly.Economic conditions can affect health status by influencing life habits,and economic conditions have the greatest direct impact on the health status of the widowed elderly.(4)The health of widowed older people is better when they have good exercise and sleep quality.(5)The higher the intergenerational support of the widowed elderly,the better the self-rated health,and intergenerational support can indirectly affect self-rated health by influencing cognitive function.Based on the findings of the empirical study,this paper puts forward some relevant policy recommendations,including:(1)Paying attention to the health status of female widowed older people and improving their physical and mental health.(2)Improving the economic level of widowed elderly people and providing maximum economic security.(3)Improving the health literacy of widowed elderly people and cultivating good living habits.(4)To pass on the fine tradition of filial piety and respect for the elderly and give full play to intergenerational support. |
